In a surprise move, the Atlanta Braves traded outfielder Jason Heyward and pitcher Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins.

In a surprise move, the Atlanta Braves traded outfielder Jason Heyward and pitcher Jordan Walden to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins.

The 25-year-old Heyward was a first-round pick in 2007 and has won two Gold Glove awards. In 2014, he hit .271 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI with 20 steals.

One of the most highly-touted players in recent memory, Heyward has has a tough time living up to the lofty expectations. In five seasons, Heyward has a .262 batting average with 84 home runs in 681 games.

In exchange, the Braves landed a major young arm in Miller. The righty finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2013, posting a 15-9 record with a 3.06 ERA in 31 starts. The 24-year-old struggled early in 2014, but had a 2.92 ERA after the All-Star break and finished the season 10-9 with a 3.74 ERA for the NL Central champions.

Walden, 27, has been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball since his debut in 2010, with a 3.11 ERA in 231 games with the Angels and Braves.

Jenkins was considered one of the Cardinals' top prospects. The 21-year-old right-hander spent 2014 in Class A and has a 4.23 ERA across five minor league seasons.

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